Japan: Chuwa Wizard takes Champions Cup at Chukyo

Chuwa Wizard won the richest race of his career in Sunday’s Grade 1 Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse in Japan, ending a two-start losing streak in the country’s leading dirt event.

Chuwa Wizard ($27.60 in American pools) closed from the middle of the 16-horse field to take the lead in the final sixteenth, drawing away to win the $1.87 million race at 1 1/8 miles by 2 1/2 lengths over 9-1 Gold Dream.

Inti (15-1) finished third, three-quarters of a length in front of 3-5 favorite Chersoberyl, who was beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Chuwa Wizard.

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Chuwa Wizard was ridden by Keita Tosaki for trainer Ryuji Okubo.

A 5-year-old Japanese-bred horse by King Kamehameha, Chuwa Wizard has won 10 of 18 starts. Fourth in the 2019 Champions Cup, Chuwa Wizard won the Kawasaki Kinen Stakes at Kawasaki Racecourse in January.

Chuwa Wizard was third in two starts at 1 1/4 miles at Ohi Racecourse in his only subsequent starts leading to the Champions Cup - the Teio Sho in June and the JBC Classic on Nov. 3.

Chuwa Wizard has won five stakes. The Champions Cup appearances on Sunday and in 2019 are his only career starts in Grade 1 races.